Dowdell says that Celtic and tribal tattoos are on the way out (and those similar in design). You might associate them with muscled celebrities and athletes, and recognize them for their ornate patterns or scenery. A Celtic tattoo uses black ink to background crosses, trees, or folkloric animals. A tribal tattoo uses black ink to fill in spiraling, zigzagging arrows and lines, often migrating from the pec onto the shoulder and arm. The tricky thing about tattoos is that you still see the ones that are “out of style”, because they’re permanently on the wearer. So, Dowdell’s point is that he’s doing far fewer of these types anymore, in favor of the aforementioned ones. As seen on: The Rock’s shoulder and arm. (His is technically a Polynesian tattoo, but stylistically in the same vein.)

The amount of time to get a full sleeve tattoo on your arm is completely subjective. The entire process, similar to the outcome itself, is highly subjective to plenty of variables. Factors that you must think about include the speed of the artist, the design, as well as your personal healing time. The main factor involved in how long will you be sitting on that tattoo chair is the complexity of the concept. Full sleeves that feature your traditional sailor-style tattoo artwork might take as little as 10 to 15 hours. Meanwhile, a photorealistic tattoo can take at least eighty hours to complete – Possibly even more.

I now think of my sleeve as a form of socially legitimised self-harm, done at a time when I was agonising about my career. A self-sabotaging former child prodigy and writer whose physical prowess is part of the package, and whose best days are behind them by their 20s? The sleeve had to be done. And since then more and more people have made the same decision, although probably for very different reasons. Fifa has just released photos of the England World Cup squad, revealing that four players have had the mental acuity to pick up on the sleeve trend just five years after it first peaked, inspired by David Beckham. Justin Bieber has, inevitably, completed a sleeve too.

“About 10 years ago I put a tattoo on my lower back (also known as a tramp stamp) and I have regretted it almost every day since (the only days I didn’t regret it were when I forgot it was there). Each year as bikini season rolls around I dread the thought of people seeing it. Anyway, I did consults at a few other laser tattoo removal places and this is the place to go! Great staff and prices and it is honestly so easy. I was worried about doing this for years, but the procedure is no big deal. Just a minute of little flicks on the skin and you’re done, way better than the agony of getting my tattoo in the first place.”
“What a great example of impeccable customer service and true expertise. I felt incredibly welcome and in very safe hands at Eraser Clinic. I’ve been working up to removing my tattoo for years now and I’ve had several consultations at other places. This was the first time I felt comfortable enough to actually have a laser treatment and I’m sorry I waited so long. The price was much more affordable than I expected and much cheaper than the general med-spa type places around town.”

Geometrical tattoos need a great deal of perfection and expertise on the behalf of the tattoo artist as these are framed using dots and lines and even a slight deviation in any of the elements can distort the design. For those looking for perfection in symmetry of the tattoo, it is essential to be sure about the design as well as the artist before having it inked, while those who are more relaxed about it can simply go for such a tattoo for sheer happiness and fun. The tattoo’s look also depends upon the thickness and size of the lines and dots. Those who look for something bold can go for vibrant colors in geometric art while people looking for a unique effect can choose 3D designs. In addition to dot work geometric art designs, sacred geometrical tattoos are also in vogue. Such designs have perfectly symmetrical patters and make use of common geometrical shapes such as circles, squares and triangles to create some absolutely amazing designs, such as the Gordian knot and flower of life designs.

“It works! Awesome staff and spotless clean facility with parking lot. Like most, I had my consultation and then began my first treatment the same day. They allowed me to roll that first treatment in to a discounted purchase of 6 treatments up front. Keep in mind every tattoo is different. I understand this now that mine is fading and I can see where the heavy hand put more ink in than other areas. I am pleased with the results though I am not sure I will recognize myself once it is fully removed :-)”
You might have noticed a tattoo trend taking shape that looks simple yet mesmerizing at the same time: geometric tattoos. The simplicity comes from the use of common shapes – lines, circles, squares, triangles. These shapes are repeated in captivating, detailed patterns to form a specific design. You can create anything from abstract designs to geometric renditions of images, such as animals and elements in nature. Add more dimension by choosing thick or thin lines, and a range of colours. Welcome to the world of geometric tattoos.
The latters all have different spiritual meanings with connection to life: the tetrahedron (4 faces) is linked to element fire, the cube to earth, the octahedron (8 faces) to air, the dodecahedron (12 faces) to spirit and the icosahedron (20 faces) to water. All sacred geometry elements can be used alone or combined with other tattoo designs, often for decoration. If you too believe that the Universe was created according to geometric plans, and want to find your place, or if you just enjoy the amazing beauty of symmetrical art, check those breath-taking sacred geometry tattoos...Getting a sleeve tattoo is a big investment in terms of both cost and hours spent a chair. For this reason a lot of guys go in to add one or two small tattoos from time to time while tying it all together with a matching background. Another approach is to take on the entire sleeve at once, which means more cash upfront and longer hours at a time. If you have the money and both you and your artist have the time, go for it. Otherwise, have patience knowing that eventually your sleeve will be complete and looking awesome.
Compasses were traditionally tattooed on sailors and boating enthusiasts. They symbolise not only been at sea but also finding direction in your life or a particular journey you embarked on. Nowadays they are popular for aesthetic value as well as for people such as backpackers who have done a lot of traveling and want a compass design. Some will even have the compass face the direction of their home from where they have moved to so as to have a reminder of where they came from.